Removable trigger mechanism for spring-biased fish hook assembly

ABSTRACT

A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachment portion having first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces cooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hook assembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarily holding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivoting the attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hook assembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves the hook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movement from the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates broadly the recreational fishingindustry, and more particularly to artificial and natural fishing luresand components adapted for use combination with such lures. In terms ofrecreational fishing, a lure is an object attached to the end of fishingline and designed to resemble and move like an item of fish prey. Thebasic purpose of the lure is to use movement, vibrations, and/or colorto catch the fish's attention and to entice the fish to “bite” the hook.Conventional lures may be equipped with one or more exposed single,double, or treble hooks. Such lures are generally used with a fishingrod and fishing reel. When a lure is used for casting, it is continuallycast out and retrieved—the retrieval making the lure “swim” through thewater.

The concept of the present disclosure may be incorporated in manydifferent types of fishing lures. For example, the present lure maycomprise or incorporate a jig, spoon, plug (or crankbait), artificialfly, bass worm, spinnerbait, or the like. Additionally, multiple luresof the present disclosure may be used on a single line, as in the mannerof a trotline.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprisesa removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly. Thetrigger mechanism includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachmentportion comprising first and second spaced apart resilient surfacescooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hookassembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilientsurface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarilyholding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loadedcondition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilientsurface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivotingthe attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hookassembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves thehook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hookassembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly isreleased for sudden movement from the loaded condition to anoutwardly-flared deployed condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the swivel attachmentportion, hook-setting finger, and actuation lever are integrally formedtogether. The terms “integrally formed”, “integrally joined”,“integrally connected” (and the like) may be used interchangeablyherein, and refer to separate elements which are formed together as asingle homogenous unit or assembly. For example, two halves of a singlefolded metal wire may be considered integrally formed together.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuation lever comprisesa substantially arcuate extension.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuation lever has awidth dimension and a thickness, the width dimension being substantiallygreater than the thickness.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook-setting fingerdefines an elongated groove designed to receive and temporarily hold thesecond biasing element of the hook assembly when in the loadedcondition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the swivel attachment portionand the hook-setting finger are integrally formed together in asubstantially S-shaped configuration.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the disclosure comprises aspring-biased hook assembly having first and second biasing elements,and a removable trigger mechanism.

According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first andsecond biasing elements of the hook assembly comprises an elongatedshank with an integrally formed bend and point. Alternatively, one ormore of the shank, bend and point may be separately formed.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second biasingelements of the hook assembly comprise respective first and second metalhooks. Each hook comprises an elongated shank, bend and point; theelongated shanks of the hook assembly being integrally-formed togetherat their respective proximal ends. Alternatively, the first and secondbiasing elements may be mechanically attached together at theirrespective proximal ends.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the disclosure comprises a fishinglure incorporating a spring-biased hook assembly and a removable triggermechanism. The term “lure” is defined broadly herein to mean any deviceused alone, or in combination with other devices, elements, orstructure, for purposes of attracting and/or catching fish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of exemplary embodiments proceeds in conjunction withthe following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of spring-biased hook assemblyincorporating a snap-on trigger mechanism according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the trigger mechanism andhook assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trigger mechanism when released, andshowing the hook assembly in the outwardly-flared deployed condition;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the trigger mechanism and hookassembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 4 is a further cross-sectional view of the trigger mechanism andhook assembly immediately after the trigger mechanism is actuated andthe hook assembly released to the deployed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a double-hook assembly incorporating theexemplary snap-on trigger mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the trigger mechanism andhook assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the trigger mechanism when released, andshowing the double-hook assembly in the outwardly-flared deployedcondition.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further exemplary spring-biased hookassembly incorporating a snap-on trigger mechanism according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the trigger mechanism released andthe spring-biased hook assembly of FIG. 7 in the deployed condition;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary spring-biased hookassembly incorporating a snap-on trigger mechanism according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the trigger mechanism released andthe spring-biased hook assembly of FIG. 9 in the deployed condition; and

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are sequential views demonstrating one method ofassembling the spring-biased hook assembly of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to likeelements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such asadaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein andfall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unlessotherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be giventheir broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with thatapplicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to anyspecific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article“a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item isintended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. Whenused herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least oneof the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/orarrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although stepsof various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in asequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes ormethods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequenceor arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpectedresults, or operability of the present invention are not intended as anaffirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practiceor that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless statedotherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit)is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has beenpreviously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a removable triggermechanism for an artificial fishing lure according to one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and showngenerally at reference numeral 10. The exemplary trigger mechanism 10 isdesigned for snap-on, retrofit attachment to a spring-biased hookassembly 11, such as that used in the recreational fishing industry. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the hook assembly 11 comprises first andsecond cooperating biasing elements 12, 14 integrally-formed together attheir respective proximal ends. The first biasing element 12 comprisesan elongated metal shank 15 having a substantially straight free end 16and an integrally-formed intermediate jog 17. The second biasing element14 comprises an elongated metal shank 18 which extends into anintegrally-formed bend 19 and point 20 at its free end. The jog 17 ofbiasing element 12 may function to properly locate and align the triggermechanism 10 relative to the point 20 of biasing element 14, asdiscussed below, while the straight free end 16 may be used to help setthe hook assembly 11 and facilitate attachment of optional lure parts(e.g., rubber worm, spinner blades, and the like). The first and secondbiasing elements 12, 14 are normally arranged in an outwardly flared (or“deployed”) condition, such as shown in FIG. 2. The trigger mechanism 10functions, as described below, to release the hook assembly 11 from aloaded condition shown in FIG. 1 to the deployed of FIG. 2.

As best shown in FIGS. 1A, 3 and 4, the exemplary trigger mechanism 10comprises a generally U-shaped snap-on swivel attachment portion 21, ahook-setting finger 22, and an actuation lever 23. The swivel attachmentportion 21 includes first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces 24,25 which cooperate to substantially surround and frictionally engage thefirst biasing element 12 of the hook assembly 11. The hook-settingfinger 22 is formed adjacent the first resilient surface 24 of theswivel attachment portion 21, and serves to temporarily engage and holdthe second biasing element 14 of the hook assembly 11 when in the loadedcondition. In the exemplary embodiment, the hook-setting finger 22defines an elongated groove 28 contoured to receive the point 20 of thebiasing element 14, as shown in FIG. 3, and is integrally-formedtogether with the swivel attachment portion 21 in a substantiallyS-shaped configuration. When loaded, the trigger mechanism 10 mayfurther serve as a weed guard to help shield the point 20 of the biasingelement 14 as the hook assembly 11 is drawn through the water.

The actuation lever 23 of the trigger mechanism 10 is formed adjacentthe second resilient surface 25 of the swivel attachment portion 21, andcomprises a substantially arcuate extension shaped to readily enter amouth of the fish. The actuation lever 23 may have a width dimension “w”substantially greater than its thickness “t”, and a bend radius “r” inthe range of 0.5 to 2.0 inches. When inside the mouth of the fish, theactuation lever 23 is engaged and pressed towards the hook assembly 11thereby causing the attachment portion 21 of the trigger mechanism 10 tosimultaneously swivel about the shank 15 of biasing element 12. Swivelmovement of the attachment portion 21 causes simultaneous pivoting ofthe hook-setting finger 22 away from the second biasing element 14 ofthe hook assembly 11. As demonstrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, when the secondbiasing element 14 is released, the hook assembly 11 “fires” causingrapid movement of the biasing elements 12, 14 from the spring-loadedcondition to the deployed condition, thereby piercing the point 20 ofbiasing element 14 into and through the mouth of the fish.

Use of the trigger mechanism 10 on an alternative embodiment of aspring-biased hook assembly 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 5, 5A, and 6. Inthis embodiment, the exemplary hook assembly 30 incorporates first andsecond cooperating biasing elements 32, 34; each biasing elementcomprising an elongated metal shank, bend, and point. The metal shanksare integrally joined together at their proximal ends (e.g., by bending)while the hook bends are oppositely directed and normally biased in anoutwardly flared (or “deployed”) condition, such as shown in FIG. 6. Thetrigger mechanism 10 functions (identically as described above) torelease the double-hook assembly 30 from a loaded condition shown inFIG. 5 to the deployed condition of FIG. 6.

A further alternative embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 7and 8. In this embodiment, the trigger mechanism 10 is used incombination with a hook assembly 50 comprising first and secondcooperating biasing elements 52, 54. Unlike hook assembly 11, theelongated shanks of biasing elements 52, 54 are integrally joinedtogether at their respective proximal ends in the form of an eyelet 55adapted for receiving and attaching a fishing line. The remainingstructure and features of biasing elements 52, 54 are identical toelements 12, 14. As described above, the trigger mechanism 10 functionsto release the hook assembly 50 from a loaded condition shown in FIG. 7to the deployed condition of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11A, 11B, and 11C, illustrate yet another exemplaryembodiment of a spring-biased hook assembly 60 according to the presentdisclosure. This embodiment incorporates a metal wire spring 61comprising first and second cooperating biasing elements 62, 64, aconventional fish hook 65, and attachment collar 66. The hook assembly60 may be used in combination with a trigger mechanism 10 identical tothat described above. The biasing elements 62, 64 are integrally formedtogether at their proximal ends, and include respective locating jogs71, 72 for properly attaching and aligning the hook 65 and triggermechanism 10. As previously described, the trigger mechanism 10functions to release the hook assembly 60 from a loaded condition shownin FIG. 9 to the deployed condition of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the hook assembly 60 is assembledby first inserting a free end of biasing element 64 through the eyelet74 of the fish hook 65 as indicated in FIG. 11A. The hook 65 is thenpositioned adjacent the locating jog 72, as demonstrated in FIG. 11B,and the free end of biasing element 64. The attachment collar 66 is thenapplied to both the hook 65 and biasing element 64, as demonstrated inFIG. 11C, and press-fit using (e.g.) plyers or other suitable tool.

In any one or more of the embodiments discussed above, the actuationlever of the trigger mechanism may be used to attach bait or other lureparts to the combination. Additionally, the exemplary snap-on triggermechanism may be combined with other various spring-biased hookassemblies, and may be used together with any other desired lure or lureparts.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. Noelement, act, or instruction used in this description should beconstrued as important, necessary, critical, or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few ofthe exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthis invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular functionor step) is recited in the claims, a construction under §112, 6thparagraph is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that thescope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined byreading into any claim a limitation found herein that does notexplicitly appear in the claim itself.

I claim:
 1. A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hookassembly comprising first and second elongated biasing elements, saidtrigger mechanism comprising: a swivel attachment portion defining anopening for receiving the first biasing element, and therebyswivel-attaching said trigger mechanism to the hook assembly; ahook-setting finger formed adjacent said swivel attachment portion, andadapted for temporarily holding the second biasing element of the hookassembly when in a loaded condition; and an actuation lever formedadjacent said swivel attachment portion, and adapted for pivoting saidattachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hookassembly, thereby simultaneously moving said hook-setting finger awayfrom the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loadedcondition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movementfrom the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition,wherein said actuation lever has a width dimension and a thickness, thewidth dimension being substantially greater than the thickness.
 2. Aremovable trigger mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said swivelattachment portion, hook-setting finger, and actuation lever areintegrally formed together as a single homogenous unit.
 3. A removabletrigger mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said actuation levercomprises a substantially arcuate extension.
 4. A removable triggermechanism according to claim 1, wherein said hook-setting finger definesan elongated groove designed to receive and temporarily hold the secondbiasing element of the hook assembly when in the loaded condition.
 5. Aremovable trigger mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said swivelattachment portion and said hook-setting finger are integrally formedtogether in a substantially S-shaped configuration.
 6. A removabletrigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly comprising first andsecond elongated biasing elements, said trigger mechanism consisting of:a swivel attachment portion defining an opening for receiving the firstbiasing element, and thereby swivel-attaching said trigger mechanism tothe hook assembly; a hook-setting finger formed adjacent said swivelattachment portion, and adapted for temporarily holding a second biasingelement of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition; and anactuation lever formed adjacent said swivel attachment portion, andadapted for pivoting said attachment portion relative to the firstbiasing element of the hook assembly, thereby simultaneously moving saidhook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hookassembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly isreleased for sudden movement from the loaded condition to anoutwardly-flared deployed condition, wherein said hook-setting fingerdefines an elongated groove designed to receive and temporarily hold thesecond biasing element of the hook assembly when in the loadedcondition.
 7. A removable trigger mechanism according to claim 6,wherein said swivel attachment portion, hook-setting finger, andactuation lever are integrally formed together as a single homogenousunit.
 8. A removable trigger mechanism according to claim 6, whereinsaid actuation lever comprises a substantially arcuate extension.
 9. Aremovable trigger mechanism according to claim 8, wherein said actuationlever has a width dimension and a thickness, the width dimension beingsubstantially greater than the thickness.
 10. A removable triggermechanism according to claim 6, wherein said swivel attachment portionand said hook-setting finger are integrally formed together in asubstantially S-shaped configuration.
 11. A spring-biased hook assemblycomprising first and second cooperating biasing elements, and aremovable trigger mechanism, said trigger mechanism comprising: a swivelattachment portion defining an opening for receiving the first biasingelement, and thereby swivel-attaching said trigger mechanism to the hookassembly; a hook-setting finger formed adjacent said swivel attachmentportion, and adapted for temporarily holding the second biasing elementof said hook assembly when in a loaded condition; and an actuation leverformed adjacent said swivel attachment portion, and adapted for pivotingsaid attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of saidhook assembly, thereby simultaneously moving said hook-setting fingeraway from the second biasing element of said hook assembly in the loadedcondition, such that said hook assembly is released for sudden movementfrom the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition,wherein said hook-setting finger defines an elongated groove designed toreceive and temporarily hold the second biasing element of the hookassembly when in the loaded condition.
 12. A spring-biased hook assemblyaccording to claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and secondbiasing elements comprises an integrally-formed elongated shank, bend,and point.
 13. A spring-biased hook assembly according to claim 11,wherein said first and second biasing elements comprise respectiveelongated shanks with oppositely directed bends and points.
 14. Aspring-biased hook assembly according to claim 11, wherein said swivelattachment portion, hook-setting finger, and actuation lever areintegrally formed together as a single homogenous unit.
 15. Aspring-biased hook assembly according to claim 11, wherein saidactuation lever comprises a substantially arcuate extension.
 16. Aspring-biased hook assembly according to claim 15, wherein saidactuation lever has a width dimension and a thickness, the widthdimension being substantially greater than the thickness.
 17. Aspring-biased hook assembly according to claim 11, wherein said swivelattachment portion and said hook-setting finger are integrally formedtogether in a substantially S-shaped configuration.